RESTAURANTS

1. Antiqvvm

This Michelin-starred restaurant (see Antiqvvm), hidden away in the stone-walled arcades of the 19th-century Quinta da Macieirinha is an extra special treat for anyone looking to sample local, seasonal produce cooked to perfection. Diners will also enjoy fabulous views out over the city from the garden terrace.

2. Taberna dos Mercadores

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Hearty, traditional Portuguese oven-cooked casseroles such as feijoada (pork and bean stew) and arroz de polvo (octopus rice) are anchors of the menu at this unpretentious but up-to-the-minute restaurant (see Taberna dos Mercadores). The sea bass flambé is another favourite dish.

3. Intrigo

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The menu is unpretentious but tasty at this restaurant and wine bar (see Intrigo), with traditional dishes such as the ubiquitous bolinhos de bacalhau (salt-cod fishcakes) and slow-cooked pork cheek. The big selling point is the view of the Douro and Ponte Dom Luís I from the terrace high above the red-tiled rooftops of the waterfront.

Bolinhos de bacalhau, Intrigo

4. Papavinhos

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The plentiful platter of arroz de marisco (seafood with rice) is the highlight at this smart modern restaurant (see Papavinhos Restaurante). Other top menu picks include the excellent fresh shellfish and the regional pork, lamb and beef. Choose a top-floor table for some impressive river views.

5. The Yeatman

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The Yeatman Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant serves a gastronomic menu with an emphasis on seafood sourced from nearby waters. Expect seasonally accented à la carte options with an Asian twist, such as skate with coconut and lime or lobster with cuttlefish and yuzu, or opt for one of the luscious, multi-course tasting menus.

Rooftop dining with a view at the Yeatman

6. Grelhador da Boavista

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This grill-restaurant (see Grelhador da Boavista) is fabulous value for money, with skewers of squid and chicken, barbecued chops and tasty sausages at prices that will not bust any budget. It is also handily located for visits to the Casa da Música.

7. Rosa do Porto

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This friendly little restaurant (see Rosa do Porto), set in a neighbourhood where overpriced and pretentious establishments are ubiquitous, is refreshingly good value, with three-course meals starting at less than €10. Main course options include excellent seabass, tuna steaks, veal and entrecôte. Be sure to save space for the leite creme (crème brûlée).

8. Tentações no Prato

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Expect typical local dishes such as polpo (octopus), grilled sole and Porto-style tripe stew at this small family-run restaurant (see Tentaçõês no Prato) in the breezy Foz do Douro neighbourhood, just metres from the Atlantic seashore. The authentic menu attracts plenty of locals, most of whom visit again and again, so booking is recommended.

9. DOP

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Porto-born owner-chef Rui Paula takes diners on a flavourful journey of exploration with a creative menu that features all the classic Portuguese favourites. Highlights include suckling goat kid, artisan sausages, the obligatory bacalhau, veal and fresh seafood (see DOP).

10. Bacalhau

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It is all about the eponymous cod at this riverside restaurant (see Bacalhau), but not just the ever-popular fritters. Try innovative dishes such as cod served with spinach and chestnuts, or with dried apricots for a distinctively Middle Eastern flavour. The view over the Douro is great, too.